The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal has made a significant declaration, emphasizing that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) does not hold a higher status than other states in Nigeria.
Justice Haruna Tsammani, the lead judge of the five-member panel, made this declaration during the tribunal’s proceedings in Abuja.
Justice Tsammani cited Section 134 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates that a presidential candidate must secure a majority of votes cast in a presidential election involving two or more candidates. Additionally, the candidate must obtain at least 25% of the votes in two-thirds of the 36 states and the FCT to fulfill the constitutional requirement for being declared as duly elected President of Nigeria.
This pronouncement underscores the constitutional principle of equal representation for all states, including the Federal Capital Territory, in the presidential election process. It reaffirms the importance of upholding the legal framework that ensures fair and equitable elections throughout the country.